A message from our new CEO, Kylie Rogers

I am proud to be writing to you today after a few weeks as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Victoria Racing Club. As I drove through the gates of Flemington for the first time in this role, I was overwhelmed by the same sense of awe and wonder that I experienced when I first set foot on these grounds as a young sales rep at Network 10, back in 1998. The beauty of the roses, the grandeur of the stands, the palpable excitement in the air – it all came flooding back, reminding me why I fell in love with this sport and this iconic venue all those years ago.

I come from the AFL, where I witnessed firsthand how sport has the power to unite communities and foster a strong sense of belonging.

I see the VRC as more than just a racing club; it’s a place where people from all walks of life come together to share in the thrill of competition, the elegance of fashion, and the joy of celebration.

So far I have seen this reflected in our two September race days – Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day and Spring Classics Preview Day, where members and racegoers have been witness to elite racing while making the most of Flemington’s world-class facilities. 

My vision for our members is simple: I want you to feel a sense of connection and pride in being part of this extraordinary club. I want to ensure that every interaction you have with us, whether it’s at the track, online, or through our various events and initiatives, leaves you feeling valued, inspired, and excited about the future of the club.

Speaking of the future, I am incredibly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. The Lexus Melbourne Cup is not just the race that stops a nation; it’s an economic powerhouse that generates hundreds of millions of dollars for Victoria each year. In 2023 alone, the Carnival delivered a record-breaking $468.3 million in gross economic benefit to Victoria. Over the past decade, the event has generated a staggering $3.7 billion, showcasing its enduring appeal and its ability to attract over half a million interstate and international visitors.

But it’s not just about the numbers. The Melbourne Cup Carnival is a cultural phenomenon that captures the hearts and minds of people around the world. The social and digital engagement in 2023 reached unprecedented heights, with 33 million impressions across our platforms and a remarkable 13 million video views. The VRC’s story is constantly being told in new and compelling ways.

I am so impressed by the positive impact that the Melbourne Cup Carnival has on the community. In the past two years, the Pin & Win campaign raised more than $1 million for the Australian Childhood Foundation. I am eager to help the VRC continue to make a difference for its new 2024/2025 partner, Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania. We also look forward to again supporting the Good Friday Appeal on Crown Oaks Day and the Victorian Branch of the Returned & Services League of Australia through poppy lapel pin sales on TAB Champions Stakes Day ahead of Remembrance Day. 

Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our key partners. I’d like to extend my thanks to our wagering and broadcast partners, TAB and the Nine Network, for their commitment to showcasing the magic of the Melbourne Cup Carnival to the world. I’d also like to acknowledge all of our other major partners, including Principal Partner Lexus, whose contributions are invaluable in ensuring the continued success of the VRC.

I am excited to share with you some of the incredible experiences we have in store at this year’s Carnival. The Park will once again be the epicentre of fashion, food, and entertainment, with a stellar lineup of live music acts including Anastacia, Empire of the Sun, Ronan Keating and The Temper Trap and the word-class Fashions on the Field. The Birdcage will transform into a multi-layered universe of marquees, bars, gardens, and other delights.

I believe that by marrying tradition with innovation and bold thinking, we can achieve extraordinary things. I am committed to working closely with our members to understand your aspirations and to ensure that growth and progress are always aligned with your values and expectations.

In closing, I want to express my deep gratitude for the warm welcome I’ve received from everyone at the VRC. I am honoured to be leading this remarkable club into its next chapter, and I can’t wait to share this journey with all of you.

Kylie Rogers
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Kylie  joined Michael Felgate for an extended chat in-studio on Tuesday, with the Melbourne Cup carnival fast approaching! You can listen to the full interview below.